Teacher Lisa Saunders said she knew Teal was destined for great things way back in 2015, when she made it all the way to the nationals of the WorldSkills hairdressing competition.

"Teal was a bright student who always went above and beyond to do her best; you don't make it to nationals - and now New York - without incredible determination, passion and persistence, all of which Teal displays in abundance."

Teal applied for the Fashion Week hair stylist position through Haircare Australia.

"Our whole salon is stocked through this company, and as soon as I found out they were offering this incredible opportunity I applied; essentially it was first in best dressed," she said.

Teal said hairdressing was something she was simply "born to do".

"My mum was a hairdresser, and I'd spend hours learning from her and doing her hair," she said.

"Having the skills to transform someone's look gives me a real buzz; it honestly makes a two-minute lunch on a 12-hour work day worth it."

In October, CQUni will proudly welcome Teal back to its fold, as one of three WorldSkills Mackay competition scrutineers who will guide students through each stage of the event.

Teal urged all hairdressing students and recent graduates to enter.

"Participating in WorldSkills on a national level taught me the value of hard work," she said.

"I would work so hard on the national training trips away, I could barely keep my eyes open at the end of each day.

"It was such an incredible learning experience and I really made the most of every minute of it.

"After nationals, I felt more confident and independent; I felt like I could achieve whatever I put my mind to - and now I've done exactly that."

Through Everwonder Hair Creatives (Victoria Street, Mackay), Teal now employs four staff, all of which are CQUni Mackay Hairdressing graduates or students.

Teal's advice to this year's WorldSkills competitors is to "train, train, train".

"And, when you think you've got it perfect, try at least another 10 times - attention to detail is key."

Held every two years, the 2017 WorldSkills hairdressing competition will take place at CQUni Mackay's City Campus, Sydney Street, on Monday, October 9.